Childcare Disqualification Regulations (2009) Staff Declaration Form

[Hulababy]

Has anyone else been asked to complete these recently?
And have you had to do so before?

Its the first time we have had to complete this and it seems quite intrusive, especially the aspect involving other people who live in the same house as yourself.

And it doesn't seem clear that all school teachers/TAs, even in primary, shuld necessarily need to complete these,

We've looked at it in our LA this week (HT here). We're going to be getting forms for our staff. All of the staff in primary schools will be asked to complete them because of the fluidity of the job roles in school.
It is scary the questions you have to ask especially if people are living in house-shares and the like. Also, how are we going to prove that people knew the convictions of the people they live with - its nigh on impossible to police.
All you can do is ask people to make a declaration & take it from there but it will seriously inhibit a school's ability to get volunteers into classrooms and to work with students etc.
The thing that saddens me the most is that victims of domestic violence who've chosen to continue living with their partner will be penalised again by having to go on gardening leave & apply to OFSTED to waive their disqualification - a double punishment
Another well-thought-out policy thought up by people who have no concern over the impact of their 'thinking shit up'

Our LEA have strongly advised that ALL school staff complete these, and also volunteers who have a "childcare" role - which could include such things as helping with after-school discos or parties etc. I reckon we will lose a good few volunteers - for reasons stated by maidupmum. It is so over the top, and I can't see it serving any purpose. Also there is no way to check whether people are being truthful when they fill in the form, which renders it useless. We (the school) currently DBS check staff and regular volunteers - that, together with normal vigilance and child protection procedures is enough imo.

I have been reading this afternoon and it seems the the unions are looking into it and are working with whoever to seek clarification.

It may well affect younger staff who may well be in house shares.

Seems that the unions feel not all staff should be asked...but the LAs seem to be advising schools to do just that.

Our forms went out to staff last week so not sure what everyone is doing yet,

I had a new style one of these this year but it didn't ask any more than our previous style of declaration. The people in the household thing has been part of the EYFS for a while.

It did surprise me when it first came in that it wasn't challenged more.

I know a couple of people who would be in the situation above (staying with an abusive partner).

First time we have had it - infant school. First time for the EYFS teaching staff too though.

I manage a nursery and have to ask the questions from the form of each member of my staff every month in their supervision
The answers are documented and we both sign
My line manager also asks me the same question s each month
All staff are asked the same questions, including the cook and the cleaner

I work for an agency and was sent this to complete last week which I did, as the agency will not book people unless they have completed.

Just picked up the email about this now asking me to return a green form asap. Wonder where I get that from as there was nothing attached to the email. Fortunately I live a very humdrum life with DH & DS so it will be easy for me, but I can see why it would be completely unfair to many.

Our LA added a question to the form asking whether respondents are on any regular medication. I understand this was not the case in other areas. Has anyone else had to answer this? I wasn't happy about it, and can also imagine parent helpers and governors might well not want the Head to know personal details of this kind. Seems really intrusive to me.

I was not asked about medication.
In any case - this could change at any time - maybe for a 2 wk course of antibiotics..????

I wasn't asked about medication.
I guess that would worry me too - I have to take regular mediation. What would they use the information for? Why would they want to know and could it affect me getting jobs in the future?

I am amazed that there hasn't been more outrage about this.

I know being an Early Years practitioner isn't the same as being a teacher but it looks like what we've been asked is starting to be being asked of teachers too. It was in the EYFS 2012 and made clearer in 2014 "If practitioners are taking medication which may affect their ability to care for children, those practitioners should seek medical advice. Providers must ensure that those practitioners only work directly with children if medical advice confirms that the medication is unlikely to impair that staff member’s ability to look after children properly."

I have a disability causing neuropathic pain that would be helped with pregabalin but I didn't want to have to ask my GP if she felt I could still do my job so I just deal with the pain.

I wonder if EY practitioners are the testing ground for new rules, if they get away with it without a fuss for EY then they can bring it in for teachers too?